Abstract: A heat pipe is disclosed for use in a vapor-absorption heat pump to provide high efficiency heat transfer between first and second fluids in contact with opposing first and second faces of the heat pipe. Although preferably disk-shaped and adapted for rotation for use in compact heat pumps, the heat pipe may be used in heat pump applications requiring other shapes, and may be either fixed or moving. In a further aspect of the invention, a vapor-absorption heat pump is provided incorporating at least one such heat pipe in at least one component thereof.

Abstract: A heat exchanger for exchanging heat between a first fluid and a second fluid comprises a moving partition member for heat transmission between the first fluid and the second fluid, a housing partitioned by the moving partition member into a first chamber for passing the first fluid and a second chamber for passing the second fluid, and a power source for rotating the moving partition member.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for performing automated sample preparation, DNA amplification and detection, which apparatus has heat-sinking, flat carriers for holding specimens and reagents, devices for heating and cooling and maintaining the specimen to or at any given temperature for any given time periods, and a computer to generate signals that control said temperatures and times.

Abstract: Apparatus and process are disclosed for sorption heat pumping at high efficiency in a smooth and continuous manner using a multiplicity of intermittent cycle triplex sorption modules. The hermetically sealed trisorption modules, each of which contains at least two solid sorbents, are free of pumps, valves, restrictors, or any similar devices for flow control of refrigerant or sorbent. The preferred refrigerant is ammonia and the preferred sorbents are the solid type with monovariant equilibrium, e.g., BaCl.sub.2, SrCl.sub.2, CaCl.sub.2, MnCl.sub.2, FeCl.sub.2 and SrBr.sub.2. The apparatus is preferably adapted for residential or small-scale commercial space-conditioning applications, and operates at double-effect efficiency in both the heating and cooling modes without inter-module heat transfer.

Abstract: An apparatus for thickening liquids with solid contents has a container receiving the liquid and a vapor outlet and a heater, which is positioned in the liquid column in the container. The heater is constructed as a rotor rotating in the container and is formed from a plurality of substantially parallel plates arranged with a limited axial spacing and extending outwards from the rotor axis, every second space between adjacent plates forming a heating chamber sealed with respect to the liquid, while the spaces located between the same close to the rotor axis and on the circumference thereof are open towards the container interior.

Abstract: A new cooling system for a jet engine integral starter/generator incorporates an array of thermosyphons in the rotor of the starter/generator in an off-axis geometry. The condenser sections of each thermosyphon extend out from the rotor into a coolant flowpath. Fins surrounding the condenser sections are oriented to increase the flow of coolant around the starter/generator. Asymmetrical balancing wicks partially cover the inside wall of the evaporator sections of each thermosyphon. The balancing wicks have the general shape assumed by a liquid working fluid during off-axis rotation. The wick cross-sectional shape is generally that of a crescent. The balancing wicks absorb working fluid when the rotor is not rotating so that the rotor will have generally the same balance at startup as it will have during full rotational speed operation.

Abstract: An air conditioning apparatus (1) is disclosed which includes a pair of adjacent parallel air ducts, namely a conditioned air duct (4) and an ambient air duct (5), wherein the ducts (4,5) have a common side wall (7). A fan (14) delivers an air stream through the conditioned air duct (4) to condition the air stream. A fan 15 delivers ambient air through the ambient air duct (5). Mounted within the ambient air duct (5) is a refrigeration unit having a condenser (20) and an evaporator (21). The condenser (20) and evaporator (21) are slidable between the two ducts (4,5) along tracks (43,46) extending through openings (25,26) in the side wall (7) to condition air passed through the conditioned air duct (4) to a pre-set desired condition.

Abstract: A heat pipe is disclosed for use in a vapor-absorption heat pump to provide high efficiency heat transfer between first and second fluids in contact with opposing first and second faces of the heat pipe. Although preferably disk-shaped and adapted for rotation for use in compact heat pumps, the heat pipe may be used in heat pump applications requiring other shapes, and may be either fixed or moving. In a further aspect of the invention, a vapor-absorption heat pump is provided incorporating at least one such heat pipe in at least one component thereof.

Abstract: An improved centrifugal refrigeration system having an elongated rotatably supported shaft with means to rotate the shaft, a condenser unit affixed to and rotated with the shaft, the condenser unit having a tubular member coiled about the shaft in a path beginning at a condenser unit inlet point at a first radius from the shaft and increasing as it is coiled about the shaft to an outlet point at a greater radius, an evaporator unit affixed to and rotated by the shaft and being spaced from the condenser unit, the evaporator unit having a tubular member coiled about the shaft in a path beginning with an inlet point adjacent the shaft and an outlet point at a second radius from the shaft, the second radius of the evaporator unit outlet point being less than or at least not substantially greater than the first radius of the condenser inlet point, a refrigeration return line connecting the evaporator outlet point to the condenser outlet point, a refrigerant delivery tube connecting the condenser outlet point to th

Abstract: A quick disconnect heat exchanger is disclosed wherein male and corresponding female members are adapted to be slidably interconnected. Each of the respective male and female members includes a discrete fluid flow so that fluids are not mixed during heat exchange and the coupler may be disconnected without fluid loss or mixing.

Abstract: A heat transfer hinge; a first rotor; a second rotor; a pivot means for pivotally coupling the first rotor to the second rotor, each rotor being free to pivot on a pivot axis passing between the first and second rotor; a means for thermally coupling a thermally conductive flat surface to the first rotor, the flat surface being positioned to be normal to the pivot axis; a means for thermally coupling a thermally conductive flat surface to the second rotor, the flat surface being positioned to be normal to the pivot axis; and, a means for holding the first rotor flat surface against the second rotor flat surface as the first rotor is pivoted on the pivot axis with respect to the second rotor.

Abstract: A Perkins tube type rotary heat exchanger of improved efficiency wherein the Perkins tube evaporation sections are outwardly displaced from the condensation sections by offsetting and/or splaying, to substantially occupy the evaporation sections with Perkins tube working fluid while substantially eliminating the presence of fluid from a major portion of the condensation sections during operation of the heat exchanger. This has the effect of maximizing the internal evaporative area within the evaporation sections and also of maximizing the internal condensing area within the condensation sections of the Perkins tubes, thereby materially increasing the energy recovery and effectiveness of the heat exchanger.

Abstract: A heat transfer method and apparatus are disclosed for transferring heat across a cylinder surface, in order to maintain the cylinder surface at a uniform temperature for drying, rolling or otherwise processing a work piece. The apparatus comprises a rotatable cylinder wall with a plurality of heat pipes bent near their evaporator ends and disposed within and around the periphery of the cylinder wall, at least one end wall, and a plurality of hubs interconnecting the cylinder with a drive shaft. The heat transfer cylinder, itself, may comprise a large rotating heat pipe.

Abstract: A heat exchange has a main body and a drive shaft in the main body. There is a motor to drive the drive shaft. A rotor is mounted on the drive shaft and has a central hub. Pairs of spaced blades extend radially from the hub to an outer chamber, attached to the outer ends of the blades. There are openings in the hub to communicate a blade with the hub interior and openings in the outer chamber communicating the outer chamber with a blade. There are closure plates at each end of the main body having pairs of inlet/outlet openings. A valve plate between the rotor and each end plate defines gas pathways between on opening and a first end plate and another opening in the second end plate. There are two gas pathways through the apparatus. In the first pathway gas enters an inlet in the first end plate, passes through a valve plate, over the blades of the rotor, through a second valve plate to an outlet of the second end plate.

Abstract: A fixing device fixes a toner image to a receiving sheet, especially to a receiving sheet having a heat softenable thermoplastic layer. The device has an endless belt which moves from a pressure nip through a cooling path away from the nip and then returns to the pressure nip. A heat exchanging roller is positioned between the portions of the path of the belt to subtract heat from the belt as it moves away from the nip and return that heat to the belt as it again approaches the nip. The heat exchanging roller has a thin conductive layer on an insulating core which thermally matches with the belt to increase the thermal efficiency of the fixing device.

Abstract: A two-phase capillary pumped loop heat transfer system adapted primarily for use on space vehicles, includes a wickless condenser tube which receives gaseous phase working fluid from the evaporator capillaries, rejects heat from the working fluid to a heat sink (e.g. outer space) and thereby converts the gaseous phase working fluid to its liquid phase, and returns the liquid phase working fluid to the evaporator to complete the thermal cycle. A portion of the condenser tube is supported by a rigid radiator structure external to the spacecraft. At least a portion of the condenser tube is deformable to permit the radiator structure to be deployed from a first predetermined position to a second predetermined position with respect to the spacecraft. The deformable segment of the condenser tube can be formed into a helical coil used as a spring to assist deployment of the radiator panel.

Abstract: The arrangement has a device for cooling the impression cylinder (2) with a plurality of continuous metal belts (6) which run over two drums (4, 5) which partially wrap the impression cylinder (2) and are carried along by the latter during its rotation. These metal belts discharge the heat arising at the surface of the impression cylinder during the printing operation and are themselves cooled by the fact that one of the two drums (4) is constructed as a hollow cooling drum through which a cooling means flows. The drums (4, 5) are mounted in an adjustable frame (7) and, when the printing machine is switched off, can be removed from the impression cylinder (2) to the extent that the latter is not contacted by the metal belts (6).

Abstract: An apparatus for rejecting waste heat from a system located on or near the lunar equator which utilizes a reflective catenary shaped trough deployed about a vertical radiator to shade the radiator from heat (i.e., infrared radiation) emitted by the hot lunar surface. The catenary shaped trough is constructed from a film material and is aligned relative to the sun so that incoming solar energy is focused to a line just above the vertical radiator and thereby isolate the radiator from the effects of direct sunlight.The film is in a collapsed position between side by side support rods, all of which are in a transport case. To deploy the film and support rods, a set of parallel tracks running perpendicular to length of the support rods are extended out from the transport case.

Abstract: A heat generating apparatus and system for an automobile and incorporating the use of an absorption air conditioning system including temperature control means is disclosed. Heat transfer from the catalytic converter by means of a circulating heating fluid to a heating coil attached to the heat generator on the absorption system is provided as well as electrical connectons and controls for utilizing the heat energy from the catalytic converter. The use of a compressor and horsepower drain on the engine is eliminated.

Abstract: A heat transfer system comprising a pair of zones positioned at respective locations of differing temperatures between which heat is transferred; a first element, one surface of which conducts heat; a second element, one end of which communicates with one of the pair of zones and the other end of which communicates with the other of the pair of zones and one surface of which conducts heat and is slidably engaged with the heat-conducting surface of the first element and means for establishing oscillatory movement of the second element between the pair of zones such that the heat-conducting surface thereof slidably engages the heat-conducting surface of the first element and such that the ends thereof do not communicate with the other of the pair of zones.

Abstract: A device for dissipating heat from a cylindrical object includes a heat dissipating element of thermally conductive material and at least a first spring for releasably and resiliently holding the heat dissipating element against the exterior of the object, in particular an automotive oil filter. In the disclosed examples, there are a plurality of like elongated heat dissipating elements each of which has a hole therethrough, and the spring is a coil spring which passes through the holes and its ends are fastened to each other. Each heat dissipating element has an inner flange providing the element with an inner face for fitting against the cylindrical object and a central portion projecting outwardly from a central location relative to the inner flange, and the spring-containing holes are located in the central portions of the heat dissipating elements.

Abstract: A heat exchange assembly for use in combination with motor driven fluid pumps and the like, such as a motor, is provided. The assembly comprises a suction manifold, a discharge/diverter manifold, and a heat exchange jacket. The heat exchange jacket is maintained in close contact with the exterior surface of the motor, so that waste heat is transferred to the jacket thereby heating the fluid therein.

Abstract: A high efficiency deployable heat radiator system for radiating heat generated at a source of heat aboard an orbiting spacecraft or like vehicle is described which comprises a first subsystem for circulating liquid heat exchange medium into heat exchange relationship with the heat source and for conducting vaporous medium generated at the heat source to a manifold; one or more interconnected movable radiator panels each including a pair of spaced wall members defining heat radiating surfaces; a plurality of heat pipes each having an elongated condenser end disposed between wall members of the radiator panels and in heat exchange relationship with the heat radiating surfaces; a manifold for conducting vaporous medium from the source into heat exchange contact with the evaporator ends of the heat pipes; an interface structure interconnecting the evaporator end of each heat pipe with the manifold and including a tubular member enclosing each evaporator end for conducting vaporous heat exchange medium into contac

Abstract: A heat exchanger for cooling enclosures, typically electronic enclosures, has a box with a heat pipe type exchange element and upper and lower fan units. A novel element holder and box structure and arrangement of components provides for safety, NEMA-12 sealing, easy access and cleaning without tools, and enables the exchanger to be inverted end-for-end and mounted either on the inside or outside of the exchanger while providing a cover that easily comes off for service. The exchanger has an ambient fan and motor and a heat load fan and motor normally inside the box, and both fan and motors and the exchanger are movable to alternative positions for service. A method of servicing a heat exchanger is provided wherein two fans and motors, and a heat exchanger sequentially are unlocked and moved to alternative service positions.

Abstract: An arrangement for mounting a panel on a spacecraft employs a spring sheet which serves to mount one end of the panel to the spacecraft for pivoting the panel with respect to spacecraft and which is capable of storing spring energy for actuating the panel to pivot it from one of a stowed position and a deployed position to the other. In the preferred embodiment, the panel is a radiator for rejecting waste heat into outer space from a dynamic isotope power system of the spacecraft.

Abstract: A magnetic rotary thermal joint for operation in deep space, vacuum environments, the joint comprising a first rotor having a first thermal surface; a second rotor having a second thermal surface; bearing means for rotationally coupling the first rotor to the second rotor, each the rotor being free to rotate in fixed coaxial alignment with respect to the other rotor; and magnetic means for providing a thermal path from the first thermal surface to the second thermal surface. Heat is carried to the first rotary thermal joint through a heat pipe and heat is carried away from the second thermal joint with a heat pipe.

Abstract: A method of circulating a heat transfer medium through a caterpillar and a plate treating apparatus using the caterpillar. A rotary shaft is arranged to transversely project into the caterpillar arranged in an article conveying direction. The caterpillar is provided with a group of strip shaped hot plates disposed closely in parallel to each other, each hot plate having an inlet and outlet of the heat transfer medium. A heat transfer medium passage is formed in each hot plate to communicate the inlet and the outlet thereof. The rotary shaft includes a heat transfer medium supplying portion and a heat transfer medium discharging portion separately formed therein from one end thereof to the other end. The heat transfer medium is sent from the supplying portion of the rotary shaft to the inlet of each hot plate through a corresponding connecting tube, and then the medium is discharged from the outlet of the hot plate to the discharging portion through another connecting tube.

Abstract: A shaft and a substrate having mating beveled sections for improved heat transfer therebetween. A shaft having a first section, a second section and a beveled section, between the first and second sections such that the second section has a smaller outer diameter than the first section, is provided for rotation within a generator. A substrate having power and heat generating components mounted thereon and a beveled inner radial surface is mounted on the shaft such that a beveled inner radial surface mates with the beveled section of the shaft to provide greater surface area where the substrate and shaft interface, so as to improve heat transfer therebetween as compared to a shaft having a diameter along its entire length equal to the second section and to permit an adjustably tighter fight. The second section of the shaft is threaded to receive a hold-down collar having a threaded inner radial surface for securing the substrate in position.

Abstract: A heat transfer system comprising a pair of zones positioned at respective locations of differing temperatures between which heat is transferred. Each zone has a solid surface which slidably engages the surface of a solid cylindrical element. The cylindrical element is rotated to transfer heat between the pair of zones.

Abstract: A device for defogging a wall mounted bathroom mirror includes an elongated housing adjustably suspended above and outwardly of the mirror by a pair of brackets. Ambient air drawn into the housing by a fan is filtered, heated by an electric heating element and discharged through an elongated air outlet on the housing toward the mirror. The air outlet is provided with a plurality of adjustable longitudinal louvers for selectively varying the heated air flow direction. Each louver is provided with an electric heating element for further heating the discharged air.

Abstract: A rolled belt heat exchanger utilizes the increased heat transfer due to a large, extended surface belt. Heat is transferred from a heated roller to the belt, and then allowed to radiate to space as the belt follows a generally flattened oval path away from the heated roller.

Abstract: A rotary heat exchanger has a plurality of arcuate hollow blow blades with extend between first and second rotating bodies and which conduct liquid from one to the other. Each of the blades is provided with its own set of fins which are arranged to interleave between and overlap those on the adjacent blades. The rotating bodies are constructed to define inlet and outlet chambers therein. Bearings which are disposed between stationary inlet and outlet pipes and the first and second rotating bodies protect seals from damaging forces when the device is rotating.

Abstract: An apparatus for the heating and/or drying of wet, comminuted material, e.g. organic material, comprises a stationary housing (2) with a rotatable, hollow rotor (3) with inlet (4) and discharge (5) of a heating medium and possible condensate (6) thereof, and where the rotor has annular drying elements (9) disposed at intervals and with annular channels (10) to which the heating medium is fed in a parallel maner from a central channel (11). The annular channels (10) are circular and are disposed concentrically with each other and with the rotor (3).

Abstract: The present invention discloses a heat tube device through which a working fluid can be circulated to transfer heat to air in a conventional air conditioning system. The heat tube device is disposable about a conventional cooling coil of the air conditioning system and includes a plurality of substantially U-shaped tubes connected to a support structure. The support structure includes members for allowing the heat tube device to be readily positioned about the cooling coil. An actuatable adjustment device is connected to the U-shaped tubes for allowing, upon actuation thereof, for the heat tubes to be simultaneously rotated relative to the cooling coil for allowing the heat transfer from the heat tube device to air in the air conditioning system to be selectively varied.

Abstract: A cooling structure for cooling a liquid-cooled engine has engine cooling passages defined in portions of the engine for circulating a cooling medium therethrough. The cooling structure further includes a rotatable assembly having a rotatable element located outside of the engine, and a radiation passage system of a prescribed length disposed in the rotatable element for rotation therewith and connected to the engine cooling passages.

Abstract: A heat transfer system comprising a pair of zones positioned at respective locations of differing temperatures between which heat is transferred; a first element one surface of which conducts heat; a second element, one end of which communicated with one of the pair of zones and the other end of which communicates with the other of the pair of zones and one surface of which conducts heat and is slidably engaged with the heat-conducting surface of the first element and means for establishing oscillatory movement of the second element between the pair of zones such that the heat-conducting surface thereof slidably engages the heat-conducting surface of the first element and such that the ends thereof do not communicate with the other of the pair of zones.

Abstract: An air temperature regulator is especially useful for cooling an airstream generated by an electric fan while permitting a portion of the airflow to flow substantially uninhibited to a user. The air temperature regulator utilizes at least one individual cell containing a phase-change material which has been chilled which is placed into a housing. The housing includes a mechanism for extracting the cell from its receiver so that the cell may be removed from the housing and refrozen. The extractors are mounted within a grille adjacent a track whereby extracted cells will prolapse to a collection bag at the bottom of the housing for refreezing and recycling.

Abstract: A heat conducting thermal plate (55) is fixed to a thermal load (10) by means of fasteners (75). Bosses (60) on the thermal plate are received within bosses (75) on an adjacent heat exchanger (25) to maintain a sealed interengagement between those components as the thermal plate is drawn up into surface-to-surface contact with the load.

Abstract: A conveying screw having a tubular helical flight attached only at its opposite end portions to a hollow conveying screw body. Heat exchange medium introduced into the hollow body is transferred along the tubular helical flight.

Abstract: A crescent shaped exchanger tank is fitted over the top portion of an electric motor which drives a centrifugal pump. The inlet to the pump is connected to a drain on a bath tub and the discharge of the pump is connected to jet nozzles along the sides of the tub. The heat exchanger has an inlet connected to the high pressure side of the pump and a discharge connected to low pressure or suction side of the pump. The heat of the motor heats the water circulated in the tank to warm the water delivered through the jet nozzles to the tub.

Abstract: The invention is a device and method for cooling a high temperature furnace. A typical high temperature furnace will include a hot zone that is insulated with carbon-based materials, such as lamp-black. The cooling device is a probe consisting of two elongate tubular members. The smaller diameter member fits lengthwise inside the larger member, such that an annulus is defined within the probe. A tapered metal tip at the lower end of the probe is positioned above a frangible disk, and the disk fits over a guide tube that extends into the insulation section. In operation, the probe is shoved downwardly through the frangible disk into the guide tube, to position the tip near the hot zone of the furnace. An inert gas is then passed through the inside member of the probe, and exhausted through the annulus, to dissipate the furnace heat.

Abstract: A thermal radiator system is described for use on an outer space vehicle, which must survive a long period of nonuse and then radiate large amounts of heat for a limited period of time. The radiator includes groups of radiator panels that are pivotally connected in tandem, so that they can be moved to deployed configuration wherein the panels lie largely coplanar, and to a stowed configuration wherein the panels lie in a stack to resist micrometeorite damage. The panels are mounted on a boom which separates a hot power source from a payload. While the panels are stowed, warm fluid passes through their arteries to keep them warm enough to maintain the coolant in a liquid state and avoid embrittlement of material. The panels can be stored in a largely cylindrical shell, with panels progressively further from the boom being of progressively shorter length.

Abstract: A cooling system is provided with fans and radiators mounted in a single pivotal housing. This allows movement of the entire cooling unit away from the engine to allow access thereto, while still allowing the cooling unit to be operatively connected to the engine. Preferably, the fans and radiators are mounted in the housing laterally adjacent to one another to allow mounting above the engine in a minimum of vertical space. The housing then forms a chamber interconnecting the radiators and fans. One or more axial flow fans may be used, or a transverse flow fan can be used.

Abstract: A deployable radiator panel system for use in spacecraft or the like for rejecting power when exposed to space. A plurality of panels are mounted in stacked juxtaposition in stored condition for rotation from the stored condition about a common axis in a fan-type manner to fully operative angular positions to form a composite panel arrangement. The panels are formed with bowtie configurations having diverging panel sections projecting from opposite sides of the axis of rotation to form a circular panel array. Drive mechanisms are provided for drawing the panels axially to a generally common plane when the panels are in their fully operative angular positions, and for drawing the panels into tight engagement with a common condenser.

Abstract: An expandable heat rejection system for radiating heat generated by a source of heat on a spacecraft or like vehicle is described and comprises a fluid heat exchange medium in operative heat exchange contact with the source for absorbing heat by evaporation of the liquid phase of the medium, a thin flexible wall structure having an inlet and an outlet and defining a volume expandable and collapsible between preselected limits and defining an inner condensation surface and an outer heat radiating surface, a multiplicity of capillary grooves on the condensation surface for promoting condensation of vaporous medium and for facilitating flow of condensate along the condensation surface toward the outlet, and a pump for circulating the medium through the system.

Abstract: A cooling roller of a cooling machine for continuously and quickly cooling a high temperature sheet. The cooling roller comprises a rotary shaft, and a cylindrical outer wall and end walls mounted on the shaft and forming an enclosure are mounted on the shaft. A tube bundle extends through the enclosure close to the outer wall, the tube bundle having an inlet and an outlet for a cooling fluid. The heat transfer area of the tube bundle is larger than the inner area of said outer wall, and the inner area of the outer wall is covered with a heat transfer accelerating device. A heat transfer liquid, which repeats evaporation and condensation cycles during use is sealed within the enclosure.

Abstract: A boiler has a gas burner assembly and a heat exchanger positioned in a combustion chamber for heating water circulated through the heat exchanger by heat exchange with the combustion products. The performance of the heat exchanger is improved by rotating the heat exchanger to prevent formation of a boundary layer of cooler combustion products and/or a surface film of condensed moisture on the heat exchange surface.

Abstract: A heat radiator useful for expelling waste heat from a power generating system aboard a space vehicle is disclosed. Liquid to be cooled is passed to the interior of a rotating bubble membrane radiator, where it is sprayed into the interior of the bubble. Liquid impacting upon the interior surface of the bubble is cooled and the heat radiated from the outer surface of the membrane. Cooled liquid is collected by the action of centrifical force about the equator of the rotating membrane and returned to the power system. Details regarding a complete space power system employing the radiator are given.

Abstract: A paddle type rotary dryer includes a hollow shaft and a plurality of tubular members for interconnecting the interior of a shaft with the interior of each of the paddles. The tubular members extend inwardly into the shaft and prevent the flow of condensate from the shaft into the paddles when the paddles are below the shaft. The tubular members also extend outwardly into the hollow portion of each of the paddles for directing steam into the paddles and define an open passageway or slot so that liquid condensate is drained from the paddles and into the shaft when the vanes are disposed above the shaft, and a fluid conduit is adapted to maintain the level of liquid condensate in the shaft at a height which is less than the height of the inwardly directed tubular member.

Abstract: A deployment system for controlling unfolding kinematics of radiator panels 26 of a space power system. The deployment system includes a plurality of forming mandrels 30 associated with a housing 38 of opposing generally triangular plates 40. Within the housing, a drive wheel 52 and two additional guide wheels 50 interact with the mandrels to effect predetermined deflection and deployment of the multiple radiator panels.